Tea Leaf Greenâ€™s Cup Runneth Over in Seattle

Seattle Tea Leaf Green fans have enjoyed regular dates from the San Francisco-based group since the beginning. As a result, a sure and steady gain in Pacific Northwest fans has taken place for some time. This sold out Tractor Tavern show certainly saw its share of exuberant fanaticism, making it evident that this band is welcome to return to Seattle as often they would like.

The first set was played with low-key yet constant energy. Guitarist Josh Clark was in first-rate form, but appeared to hold back the length of his robust jams. Guest bassist Steve Adams (ALO) provided a substantially solid bottom end for the group, and even came sporting the band’s preferred stage footwear- Chuck Taylor Cons. The smooth start of the show suggested perhaps first set foreplay was what they all had in mind. Watching Josh play guitar in this mode was visually entertaining. He projected compelling control with a bona-fide rock and roll stance and a Spinal Tap smirk of confidence on his face that suggested he could ignite his favorite Firebird at any moment he saw fit. No one in the room seemed to mind the minor reserve the guitar man dished out. The ever-content fans bounced their way around with the cheery vocals and steady keyboard rhythms of their beloved Trevor Garrod. Overjoyed sing along-ers (for all of his songs) could be heard any which way an ear turned. First set closing tunes “Freedom” and “Jackson Hole” were played with a crescendo that suggested more pop and rock-and-roll greatness was in the making. A quick set break of 20 minutes was suggested and taken.

Second set began promptly. Highly refueled fans sauntered back into the steamy club from the crisp fall evening and quickly filled the dance floor with shuffling feet. As the club filled up, so did the energy level from the stage. Josh’s guitar playing took on a bolder sound and more intent, full jams were expressed with an edgier vigor than just an hour earlier. Enormous grins, concentrated solos and powerful guitar god poses were grooving all over the stage. Bass lines and guitar riffs were played extremely tight and were executed with a strong rock steadiness that worked its way straight to the heads. A real rhythm relationship is obviously being formed between the gifted string players. As the noise continued to please the crowd, the band showed no signs of slowing down. “Taught to be Proud” served the end of the set well and was good to the very last drop. The over-stimulated and persistent crowd insisted on one more round, and a substantial two song encore was played.

When the fun did finally come to a halt, an invigorated and perspiring Josh smiled wide to the pleased crowd to proclaim, “This is a gooooood party RIGHT here!” before toasting them all and waving goodbye. Seattle fans were definitely treated to one hell of a Tea party with this show.

Set 1: Innocence Let Us Go Rapture One Reason Without A Broom> Stick To The Shallows Bouncin Betty If It Wasn’t For The Money Freedom Jackson Hole